'Dad' motivates young women to never give up on themselves in inspiring video: 'I believe in you'

Words of guidance can oftentimes act as the support and encouragement an individual needs while going through the tough moments of their life. One man, @oldfouldude, is offering words of support and encouragement to anyone who needs it. He has been making videos to guide and act as a cheerleader to thousands of individuals on TikTok. His videos have garnered him the title “TikTok dad” and one of his videos has gone viral with over 2 million views. 

Most of @oldfouldude's videos are directed toward the younger generation. But his recent viral video is addressed to young women, and he begins by acknowledging that it might be a hard time for some of them. He then encourages them to persist. He says, “I know you’re having a rough time. I know you’re tired. I know you want to cry, you want to give in, you want to give up. But that ain’t you.” The TikToker then goes on to describe the pride he feels for the women that they have become, and the way they manage all their roles. He emphasizes the importance of these young women in every area of life and reflects that without them, it would be impossible to maintain the balance of things in day-to-day activities. 

“TikTok dad” then shares that young women do not need to convince or impress anyone of their worth. He directs his statement: "You ain’t there for them, you’re there to draw a paycheck and make a living” to people who are facing difficulties in their workplace. He understands that oftentimes, people-pleasing takes a toll on young women and therefore, he reminds them that it is not their job to make others happy and they must focus only on their own needs.

@oldfouldude then goes on to warn young women out there that there may not be a lot of people that they might be able to trust. He believes that they can trust only their sisters. He knows that such an assertion might affect their mood, making them feel down about the world. But all he wants to do is communicate the truth so that his daughters can function easily in this difficult world. He gives them a heartwarming message, “I love you and I believe in you.”

His parting message to the young women was: “I know you’re not gonna give up. So when you’re done crying, I want you to pick yourself up, look at yourself in the mirror, and remind yourself who you are. Be your own cheerleader.”

The comment section was evidently emotional. Many felt that messages that they should get from their fathers are coming from these videos while for some, these messages helped in picking them up from a distressing situation. @khoisington shared that she needed to hear this message especially since she does not have her own father close to her, and commented "Thank you, I needed this too. I miss my daddy so much." @nabiphoria did not get this message of upliftment from her closed one and therefore, was glad to receive it through the video. She wrote: "I wish my dad would say these things to me."